Manchurian Sector

Mars Diaries #9

by Sigmund Brouwer

Set in 2039-2040, this best-selling series features 14-year-old Tyce Sanders, the only child who's ever been born on Mars. He lives under a dome on the red planet with 200 scientists and tekkies, including his mother, Kristy Sanders, a Christian biologist. Tyce is confined to a wheelchair, but virtual reality and robotics allow him to experience life beyond his physical boundaries. Kids love the cool, high-tech gadgets and great plot twists in this exciting series. Includes a science-faith essay at the end of each book. In Mission 9: Manchurian Sector, genetic engineering and ethics take center stage as Tyce learns about the intricacy of God's creation.

Genres: Science Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Childrens, Religion, Young Adult, Action

160 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 1, 2002

About the author

Sigmund loves going to schools to get kids excited about reading, reaching roughly 80,000 students a year through his Rock&Roll Literacy Show.

Reviews

[Caleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I definitely enjoy reading the books in this series; I found this one to be especially intense because it is the second to last book before the end of the series, and all the different storylines that are going on are all winding down.

In this book Tyce and Ashley are trying to save the last group of kids held captive by Dr. Jordon. At the same time trying to find out where Tyce's father is located, and deal with the public reacting to kids controlling robots to help in crisis.

[Chance Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a lot going on. And there is a bit I want to talk about.

Cover
I love how the purple on this cover really pops. The image is really cool to.

Interior
Firstly coming off the last book I don't think this one could stand up to Robot War but it felt more like a easy breather stepping off that one even if this one has a lot risk. It felt less like everything could fall apart at a moments notice.
There is a lot going on. Now we are introduced to Manchurian Sector. This new element in the story is somewhat interesting because it actually covers a plot hole with the Terratakers, I guessing no one actually ever expected to see in the story. While this new addition is growing on me the book felt a little political rules explanation felt heavy to me. Which leads me to something that bothered me most about this book . I think it not only over explained the robot commands but I felt like I was repeating my self over and over in the story with how the tech worked.
I really liked the nod to his juggling was made with him trying to work between four different bots from one location. I thought that parallel was brilliantly done.
With there being so many directions and plots it's never felt muddled and messy. I really found it impressive how much it actually ended up making sense in the end.

[Mary Emma Sivils · Rating 3 out of 5]

Manchurian Sector had some interesting twists, but at the same time, the plot was pulled in too many directions, weakening the main storyline. Also, the stakes never felt very high, but maybe part of that is due to the fact that I guessed the truth about certain aspects right from the beginning. I'm hoping the last book will be a satisfying conclusion!

[Gloria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm giving this a 3.5 rating because there was a scene where Tyce and Ashley were saying goodbye and Ashley ran up and kissed Tyce on the forehead. -_-
But aside from that it was pretty good.

A full review of the series will be posted once I finish reading it.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I enjoyed the story, but it seemed to veer much more towards political intrigue and suspense rather than science fiction.

[Denae Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Possibly my favorite of the series! Or #10 is my favorite. My husband points out that there are 3 info-dumpy-like chapters in a row, but they're so plot important, and short, and interesting. I never minded as a 10, 11, 12-year-old, etc.

[The Third Place A Teen Library]

F BRO md bk. 9

Science Fiction

[jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good build-up to the final book!